Richard Ernest Caldwell passed away unexpectedly, at the age of 61,
on December 28, 2021.
Rich was a man truly devoted to his family and friends. He was a
drop everything, what do you need, shirt off my back kind of guy. Those
that knew him used the words selfless, kind, decent and generous to
describe him. He was a solid strength man.
He was born to Richard M. Caldwell and Betty J. (Shover) Caldwell on
June 3, 1960, in Carlisle Pennsylvania. He was third in the line of four
children. He is survived by his sisters, Carol C. Tucker of Newville,
Susan J. Caldwell and her husband Gerald O'Hearn of Santa Fe, NM, and
his brother David B. Caldwell of Carlisle. In addition to his family, he is
remembered by lifelong friends, Robert Herman and David Asbaugh of
Carlisle.
His sisters remember the imaginative young boy that pulled his
cowboy hat over his ears every morning and set out for adventures in
their backyard. He grew up loving sports. He shared his family's
dedication to the PA teams. Saturday was Penn State Football, and
Sunday belonged to the Eagles, Go Birds! He learned early the joy of
fishing, and reveled in time spent out on the water. His father
introduced him to the gentleman's game of golf, and Rich spent many
happy days on the course of the Carlisle Country Club. He graduated
from Carlisle High School in 1978.
After graduation, he went to work for the family business, established
by his grandfather, Ernest W. Shover Farm Equipment in Carlisle. But
by 1983 Rich was searching for a new challenge, a new direction for his
life. He chose service to his country, and boldly enlisted in the United
States Navy. In May of 1983 he headed south for basic training at the
Corry Navy base in Pensacola Florida.
The Navy trained Rich to be a Cryptologic Technician. He served in
that capacity on the following vessels: USS Barb (attack submarine),
USS Oldendorf (destroyer), USS Sterrett (destroyer/cruiser), USS
Texas (cruiser) and the USS William Standley (CG32).

His good friend, Dave, shared this memory. While Rich was serving
on the submarine, it was hard to find time alone in such close quarters.
When he needed a quiet place to read, he would park himself above the
nuclear reactor. A choice not for everyone, crazy kid!
During his service to the Navy, Rich was able to experience the beauty
and hardships throughout the world. He visited many countries in the
Pacific, including Japan, the Philippine Islands and Thailand. He was
also stationed in the Persian Gulf prior to the beginning of the Gulf War.
Rich was grateful for the opportunity to serve his country, travel the
world and expand his horizons.
After resigning his commission in 1989, he returned to his
hometown, Carlisle. He worked at several jobs over the years before
returning to his earlier roots. He went back to selling a commodity he
knew well, tractors. He began working at Smith's Implements, Inc.,
Carlisle in (year?) and remained in their employment until the time of
his death. He was highly regarded for his knowledge, honesty and
friendly disposition. There is a very good chance that you may be
mowing your grass this week, with a tractor sold to you by Rich
Caldwell.
Rich was a man admired and loved by family and friends. His sister
Carol respected that despite family disputes and disagreements, Richie's
affection and loyalty to his loved ones never waivered. Rich was the
family rock in times of trouble, she is ever grateful for that support.
His sister Susan, every day, misses her buddy, her anchor, and her
hero. Richie was her confidant, a sounding board for problems and life
decisions. She remembers when she was unsure of her plan to leave the
East Coast for a new life in New Mexico, he told her to go for it! He said
"It's big sky country, It will clear your head!" She will forever miss that
warm and reassuring voice.
His brother David, summed it up by saying "Rich was just a great guy.
He was everything a big brother should be. He kicked my butt when I
needed it, and he always had my back when I needed it."

Perhaps the greatest role Rich played in life was that of a son. He
loved his parents dearly. He unfortunately lost his father as a young
adult, treasuring always the time he was given. When his father passed,
Rich stepped in to support his mother in all ways possible. As the years
went by, Rich became her companion, her caretaker, even more her best
friend. They shared their love of good food, sports, movies, politics and
lively conversation. His siblings are ever thankful for the time
Rich devoted to their mother, a sacrifice of love given freely and without
reservation.
Due to life complications the Caldwell family had to postpone a final
farewell tribute for their beloved brother, Richard. A service to honor a
life well lived is planned for this late fall.

Richard Ernest Caldwell, you are loved, you are missed, rest in eternal
peace.